Reverend J.M. Trunk - Canada 1912

These Rev. J. M. Trunk texts were published originally in 1912. Part 8, History of Slovene Communities, contains significant genealogical information about Slovenian immigrants, the places they lived, the organizations they formed, and the churches they attended.

Translators for the Slovenian Genealogy Society have been working to translate many texts published early in the 1900s that contain significant genealogical information. Our translators are not professional linguists, and they do not complete a translation with rigorous academic oversight. The goal of our translation projects is to make information available to the American descendants of Slovenian immigrants.

If you believe we have made serious errors in translation, please contact us and volunteer your time to us in order to make the corrections. We strive to do good work; we are always willing to correct errors to the extent we can; and we ask others to join us in this worthwhile endeavor.

The Slovenian Genealogy Society collects church histories. Readers with information on Slovenes in the communities listed, the churches mentioned, or other information on Slovenes, can contact:

The society accepts donations of Slovene books, texts, and publications for its genealogy library.

Canada

Grand Forks, B.C. M. Frankovic reported that the first Slovenes came here around 1900. However, the jobs in the smelts are not steady, that is why workers are coming and going away. Five families own farms. The reported is a hotel owner. There are around 30 single men here. There are no fraternal organizations. They attend a French church.

Powell River, B.C. In the local paper mills there are five Slovenes working. Among them there is one family.

Rossland, B.C. Some 12 years ago about 20 Slovenes came here according to Mr. M. Stariha's report. But the two pioneers, M. Herman and F. Starasinich have passed away. F. Misich, J. Rozic, and A. Sodja are family-men. They work in the mines and the children attend English school. Franciscan Fathers take care of their religious needs.

Trail, B.C. The first Slovenes came here in 1890. By 1903 there were six Slovene families and 20 single men here. I was told that there are about 100 Slovene immigrants here working in the smelts.

Quill Lake, Sask. Mr. J. Planinsek reported that he came here in 1910 together with K. Planinsek, A. Veran, J. Ceplan and J. Mavrin. All are proud farmers. An average farm comprises around 160 acres. The reporter mentioned that the countryside is beautiful and ideal for those who want to become farmers. Winters are cold, but days are mostly clear and quiet. There are no storms or heavy winds. There is no rain in winter and nearly overnight Spring is here. For instance, one day is still rather cold and two days later the grass is green. in ay, it is just like April in Europe, and in June it is like May in Europe. It is never too hot here. Fall is the nicest season. In September one can hear the noise of threshing machines everywhere. Very early in the morning one can hear horses and young farm hands taking heavy corn to the machines. The Canadian farmer is happy since the barns are full of corn. There are some 12 Slovenes here. Some Slovenes can also be found in Canmore, Alberta, and Ladysmith, British Columbia.